Competition: Earth Observation Data Applications for Energy and the Environment

As part of the "Copernicus Masters" DLR is looking for the best idea for an application in the area of environment and climate: In the "DLR Energy & Environmental Challenge", ideas for using earth observation data to further a sustainable energy economy – whether for energy harvesting, distribution or consumption – are wanted above all.

Since 2011 the "Copernicus Masters" competition has been awarding prizes for outstanding ideas, applications and business models for the innovative use of earth observation data for commercial purposes and projects to benefit society at large. Companies, startups, researchers and students can submit their ideas from now until 13 July 2014. In the category "Energy & Environmental Challenge" the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is looking for the best idea for an application in the area of environment and climate. The DLR winner will receive a prize of 5,000 euro.

In the "DLR Energy & Environmental Challenge", ideas for using earth observation data to further a sustainable energy economy – whether for energy harvesting, distribution or consumption – are wanted above all:

The idea must be based on earth observation data that are already available or expected to be available soon; they can be used together with geoinformation from non-satellite sources. The resulting products or services should either support the work of environmental specialists or energy suppliers, or serve to inform the general population and customer-oriented markets. Local, regional or global perspectives are possible. In addition, ideas which connect services with end users in an innovative way are also particularly sought. The submitted proposals should also draw up a scenario illustrating how the idea can be implemented to benefit the wider public, or be commercially viable.

Assessment criteria

Usefulness and Innovation: in the fields of society, environment and climate, conserving natural resources, and/or a better energy economy

Copernicus Context: importance of using satellite data, added value from the Sentinel satellites

Technologically Realistic: based on available data, data processing algorithms and infrastructure

User Acceptance: benefits for customers and/or the general public, time required for implementation

The "Copernicus Masters" competition allows participation in several "Challenges", and for the first time will be conducted worldwide. The winners of each challenge will be selected by experts from industry and research. The overall winner – the "Copernicus Master 2014" – will receive a prize of 20,000 euro and a satellite data package worth 60,000 euro, made available with the financial support of the European Commission. All winners will be announced in autumn 2014 and honoured in an official award ceremony. The competition is organized by Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen. Information about the various challenges, partners and eligibility is also available at: www.copernicus-masters.com.